Two New Articles by Rick Dunn on the JAAF in New Guinea.

[Edward]

"Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien (Tony): Getting the Type 3 Fighter into Combat, 1943"
12 February 2026
By Richard L. Dunn

"The story of early operations of the elegant looking Japanese Army Type 3 Fighter is one that should be told. Despite having great potential, the fighter was initially a disappointment to the Japanese command at a critical period. This attempt to tell the story is hardly perfect but will provide some insights and hopefully advance the cause of getting the story right."

https://rldunn.com/kawasaki-ki-61-hien/

"Introducing the Type 1 Model II Fighter (Ki-43-II “Oscar II”) in New Guinea"
6 March 2026
By Richard L. Dunn

"The Japanese Army Air Force Type 1 fighter (Ki 43) arrived in New Guinea in December 1942 as part of the JAAF’s contribution to help bolster air power in the Japanese Southeast Area comprised of New Guinea and the Solomons. Following the first Hayabusa unit 11th Hiko Sentai (Fighter Regiment, FR), a similarly equipped unit, 1st FR, arrived in January 1943. In late 1942 and early 1943 several Japanese fighter regiments were equipped with the model II of the Type 1 fighter, but that version would not appear in New Guinea until six months after the first model I Hayabusas arrived."

https://rldunn.com/type-1-model-ii-f...in-new-guinea/